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Strange Attractors
What happens when you teach chaos theory and life starts to mirror your lessons? The tiniest events transform the most driven woman in this beautifully written lesbian psychological thriller.
Fierce and frosty high achiever Professor Sonja J. Storey is on the verge of seizing power in her department. She has exacting plans to remake her backwoods North Carolina university, just as she has painstakingly remade herself.
Sonja’s perfectly ordered life takes a dramatic turn when she meets laid-back, magnetic junior professor Crystal Byrd.
But then come threatening notes, sinister emails, and shadowy nocturnal figures, and suddenly, Sonja’s controlled world starts to tremble like a butterfly in a storm.
Is someone out to get her? Is it a specter from Sonja’s past? It’s hard not to be suspicious of everyone, even intoxicating Crystal with her temptingly warm presence.
Seeing danger everywhere, Sonja must hunt down the source of the chaos before she loses her brilliant mind, and her chance at the one thing she’s never known—love.
Fierce and frosty high achiever Professor Sonja J. Storey is on the verge of seizing power in her department. She has exacting plans to remake her backwoods North Carolina university, just as she has painstakingly remade herself.
Sonja’s perfectly ordered life takes a dramatic turn when she meets laid-back, magnetic junior professor Crystal Byrd.
But then come threatening notes, sinister emails, and shadowy nocturnal figures, and suddenly, Sonja’s controlled world starts to tremble like a butterfly in a storm.
Is someone out to get her? Is it a specter from Sonja’s past? It’s hard not to be suspicious of everyone, even intoxicating Crystal with her temptingly warm presence.
Seeing danger everywhere, Sonja must hunt down the source of the chaos before she loses her brilliant mind, and her chance at the one thing she’s never known—love.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
55 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Ana K. Wrenn
2 books47 followersProfessor emeritus turned full-time writer, Ana K Wrenn lives and works in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Prior to being a professor and author, she worked various jobs, including housekeeping, horse-stall mucking, fast-food cashiering, and office managing.
If she weren't writing fulltime, she would clean bathrooms for a living, but she begs you: please put your soiled items in the trashcan. After all, it's only another inch or so away. She believes in you.
Fly over to the Wrenn's Nest https://anakwrenn.com/
Prior to being a professor and author, she worked various jobs, including housekeeping, horse-stall mucking, fast-food cashiering, and office managing.
If she weren't writing fulltime, she would clean bathrooms for a living, but she begs you: please put your soiled items in the trashcan. After all, it's only another inch or so away. She believes in you.
Fly over to the Wrenn's Nest https://anakwrenn.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
August 26, 2022
I'm breaking my self-imposed ban on reviewing just for this.
Strange Attractors is my book of the year. I adore this novel by debut author Ana K. Wrenn. I edited it so have been waiting impatiently for a very long time for it to bob up at Amazon so I can shout about it from the rooftops. (It’s in KU now.)
This book isn’t a romance, although there is love and sex and ice queens and one damaged, strong, ambitious woman with a perfectly matched charismatic protagonist to melt her.
What this book is is a dark academia psychological thriller. Readers are launched on a vivid journey through the eyes of college professor Sonja Storey as she begins to doubt her own sanity when things start unraveling all around her and threats seem to come from all directions.
Are the threats even real? Is everything in her head?
What I love is the lyrical language, gorgeous descriptions, and the iciest ice queen who ever did ice. In fact Sonja may be the hardest woman who has ever existed in all literature. Note well: You won’t fall in love with her…at least not at first. Maybe not at all. And that’s okay: She’s a difficult woman to love.
What you will discover is that beyond those high walls and cruel barbs is someone hurting and who needs closure from her past. And when you drill down deep enough, you’ll find her trembling little sparrow heart, beating terribly fast. Someone in desperate need of comfort, even if she’d viciously smite anyone for such a vulnerable insight.
That’s the thing, though: I love Sonja even as she repels everyone around her. I also loved Crystal Byrd, her brave, (so, so brave!) love interest who decides Sonja’s not to be given up on.
If you like your lesfic dark, deep, descriptive, powerful, and memorable: this one’s for you.
Strange Attractors is my book of the year. I adore this novel by debut author Ana K. Wrenn. I edited it so have been waiting impatiently for a very long time for it to bob up at Amazon so I can shout about it from the rooftops. (It’s in KU now.)
This book isn’t a romance, although there is love and sex and ice queens and one damaged, strong, ambitious woman with a perfectly matched charismatic protagonist to melt her.
What this book is is a dark academia psychological thriller. Readers are launched on a vivid journey through the eyes of college professor Sonja Storey as she begins to doubt her own sanity when things start unraveling all around her and threats seem to come from all directions.
Are the threats even real? Is everything in her head?
What I love is the lyrical language, gorgeous descriptions, and the iciest ice queen who ever did ice. In fact Sonja may be the hardest woman who has ever existed in all literature. Note well: You won’t fall in love with her…at least not at first. Maybe not at all. And that’s okay: She’s a difficult woman to love.
What you will discover is that beyond those high walls and cruel barbs is someone hurting and who needs closure from her past. And when you drill down deep enough, you’ll find her trembling little sparrow heart, beating terribly fast. Someone in desperate need of comfort, even if she’d viciously smite anyone for such a vulnerable insight.
That’s the thing, though: I love Sonja even as she repels everyone around her. I also loved Crystal Byrd, her brave, (so, so brave!) love interest who decides Sonja’s not to be given up on.
If you like your lesfic dark, deep, descriptive, powerful, and memorable: this one’s for you.
August 26, 2022
Strange Attractors has just vanquished me. I am still thinking about this psychological thriller long after I have closed its cover. As a debut novel Ms Wrenn has written a mind twisting, could Not put down, extraordinary thriller.
Dr. Sonja Storey is a professor at a small southern university and it is from her point of view this story is told. Sonja’s world has made her untrusting of anyone’s motives, professionally and personally. While she teaches about Chaos Theory, Sonja is all about following rules and procedures. One morning an ominous note is left for Sonja and her world will never be the same.
The writing is stellar by Wrenn. Most of the time I was never sure if things were actually happening to Sonja or if she was slowly losing her mind. The pacing is perfect with never a lull or dull moment.
The character of Sonja is definitely not loveable yet she held my attention easily. Perhaps it is because as women we have all faced persecution at some point in our lives. We don’t love Sonja but can easily identify with her.
Strange Attractors is one book you cannot miss out on this year. It is fresh and different, difficult and thrilling. It is unlike anything you have ever read before. And it is an exceptional read.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dr. Sonja Storey is a professor at a small southern university and it is from her point of view this story is told. Sonja’s world has made her untrusting of anyone’s motives, professionally and personally. While she teaches about Chaos Theory, Sonja is all about following rules and procedures. One morning an ominous note is left for Sonja and her world will never be the same.
The writing is stellar by Wrenn. Most of the time I was never sure if things were actually happening to Sonja or if she was slowly losing her mind. The pacing is perfect with never a lull or dull moment.
The character of Sonja is definitely not loveable yet she held my attention easily. Perhaps it is because as women we have all faced persecution at some point in our lives. We don’t love Sonja but can easily identify with her.
Strange Attractors is one book you cannot miss out on this year. It is fresh and different, difficult and thrilling. It is unlike anything you have ever read before. And it is an exceptional read.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 3, 2022
Beaten down.
This is not a book for me. Personal preference, but objectively speaking, I think many readers would find this psychological thriller appealing because this debut author has the ability to keep readers glued to the pages. Ana Wrenn has a unique writing style, one that I don't find easy to read, but it's her style and that's just me. I also find this story messy and chaotic but also absolutely befitting of the mental state of the main character.
This story is about a female academic who has received a couple of anonymous threatening notes and so there is the question of who's doing it and why. In a way, I understood why. Sonja is a flawed character and is hardly likeable, even to me, the reader. But as her past unravels, I came to realise Sonja is just a beaten down and broken character so it became very hard to dislike her.
This story touches on hard topics but it has a softer side too, which was nice. Sonja has a love interest, a fellow academic, Crystal, who pursues her and their relationship develops in tandem with Sonja's personal healing.
A book that I'm pretty sure will put Wrenn on the map.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review
This is not a book for me. Personal preference, but objectively speaking, I think many readers would find this psychological thriller appealing because this debut author has the ability to keep readers glued to the pages. Ana Wrenn has a unique writing style, one that I don't find easy to read, but it's her style and that's just me. I also find this story messy and chaotic but also absolutely befitting of the mental state of the main character.
This story is about a female academic who has received a couple of anonymous threatening notes and so there is the question of who's doing it and why. In a way, I understood why. Sonja is a flawed character and is hardly likeable, even to me, the reader. But as her past unravels, I came to realise Sonja is just a beaten down and broken character so it became very hard to dislike her.
This story touches on hard topics but it has a softer side too, which was nice. Sonja has a love interest, a fellow academic, Crystal, who pursues her and their relationship develops in tandem with Sonja's personal healing.
A book that I'm pretty sure will put Wrenn on the map.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review
January 5, 2023
Updated review of audiobook version:
Even more haunting performed by Abby Craden. I felt Dr. Sonja Storey's turmoil, her pain, her demons more acutely. So powerful. You'll need something light after this. (I did.) But damn - it's worth it.
Original review of ebook:
WOW.
This is a seriously gripping psychological drama. Not since Alone by EJ Noyes have I felt such inner turmoil written so eloquently. So hauntingly. For those who are drawn to ice queens, Professor Sonja Storey is one for the ages. If you're looking for sweetness and sex you won't find that here. This isn't a romance. It includes a love story, but it serves as more of a catalyst to move Storey forward in healing from her tortured past.
Storey is a fascinating, complex character - and nearly impossible to like. She's HARD. She's been beaten down time and time again, but is determined to not just survive - but excel - in spite of it. Interestingly, I didn't feel like Wren was concerned with readers liking her, just understanding her. I think she'll stay with me for some time.
Rarely am I so blown away by a book - certainly by a debut novel. I predict this will catapult Wrenn into the stratosphere in sapphic literature. Jump on the bandwagon now, folks. Great stuff.
I received an ARC by Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Even more haunting performed by Abby Craden. I felt Dr. Sonja Storey's turmoil, her pain, her demons more acutely. So powerful. You'll need something light after this. (I did.) But damn - it's worth it.
Original review of ebook:
WOW.
This is a seriously gripping psychological drama. Not since Alone by EJ Noyes have I felt such inner turmoil written so eloquently. So hauntingly. For those who are drawn to ice queens, Professor Sonja Storey is one for the ages. If you're looking for sweetness and sex you won't find that here. This isn't a romance. It includes a love story, but it serves as more of a catalyst to move Storey forward in healing from her tortured past.
Storey is a fascinating, complex character - and nearly impossible to like. She's HARD. She's been beaten down time and time again, but is determined to not just survive - but excel - in spite of it. Interestingly, I didn't feel like Wren was concerned with readers liking her, just understanding her. I think she'll stay with me for some time.
Rarely am I so blown away by a book - certainly by a debut novel. I predict this will catapult Wrenn into the stratosphere in sapphic literature. Jump on the bandwagon now, folks. Great stuff.
I received an ARC by Ylva Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2022
If Lee Winters mentions a book as one of her top of the year, you best believe I'm going to check it out.
What a bizarre yet riveting book! It was seriously unlike anything I have read in lesfic. Psychological thriller, sure. MC Sonja Storey is not likeable at ALL, yet these steel, icy women characters completely challenge me. One just knows there is armour there for a reason, and if the author has the right skills to get under it, I'm totally here for it. I'll give them my time and patience to better understand what led them to be the person they are. *claps*
Some executions were clumsy, there was some repetition, some kinks needing ironing, but when I am still thinking about a book days after I've finished, it's a hit something in me. What an interesting book to complete my 2022 book list. Quite intrigued to see what Ms. Wrenn has in store for us moving forward.
Happy New Year all!
What a bizarre yet riveting book! It was seriously unlike anything I have read in lesfic. Psychological thriller, sure. MC Sonja Storey is not likeable at ALL, yet these steel, icy women characters completely challenge me. One just knows there is armour there for a reason, and if the author has the right skills to get under it, I'm totally here for it. I'll give them my time and patience to better understand what led them to be the person they are. *claps*
Some executions were clumsy, there was some repetition, some kinks needing ironing, but when I am still thinking about a book days after I've finished, it's a hit something in me. What an interesting book to complete my 2022 book list. Quite intrigued to see what Ms. Wrenn has in store for us moving forward.
Happy New Year all!
August 14, 2022
Wonderful debut!
A hard edged, buttoned-up, cold woman bumps into a woman crying in a campus restroom and we're off into the plot with dislike for the first character and empathy for the second. Professor Sonja Storey and Asst. Professor Crystal Byrd, polar opposites but caught up in the same game. Is a friendship possible?
The reasons behind Sonja's chilly, brusque demeanor are slowly revealed. Stunted, the weight of thoughts and memories from childhood to present a heavy burden impacting actions. Crystal holds nothing back and portrays as a confident woman with strong family ties but a designated lane to follow.. After suffering her own share of harassment and insults based on color and gender, she stands proud and un-antagonistic but there are deep, hidden scars. The relationship between these two women evolves into casual sex and there is a softening to Sonja's character from Crystal's gentle yet forceful persistence. but even she has limitations. Sonya's layers of personality are peeled back. Her expensive clothing but a suit of armor to prepare her for the day. Her surroundings a validation of her hard work and ascent from childhood turmoil. Crystal has her own hurts and turmoils faced. I hoped for a HEA.
The author's descriptive writing style is not smooth yet I was easily dragged in the storyline. Oddly enough I softened towards Sonja's frostinesss half-way through and credit Ms. Wrenn's plot for that. The need to discover the Sonja that Crystal saw beneath all the ice and crustiness!! A few dangling threads in the plot but I can't expect everything from a debut book.
On my re-read list. Easily recommend.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing. This review is unbiased and voluntary.
A hard edged, buttoned-up, cold woman bumps into a woman crying in a campus restroom and we're off into the plot with dislike for the first character and empathy for the second. Professor Sonja Storey and Asst. Professor Crystal Byrd, polar opposites but caught up in the same game. Is a friendship possible?
The reasons behind Sonja's chilly, brusque demeanor are slowly revealed. Stunted, the weight of thoughts and memories from childhood to present a heavy burden impacting actions. Crystal holds nothing back and portrays as a confident woman with strong family ties but a designated lane to follow.. After suffering her own share of harassment and insults based on color and gender, she stands proud and un-antagonistic but there are deep, hidden scars. The relationship between these two women evolves into casual sex and there is a softening to Sonja's character from Crystal's gentle yet forceful persistence. but even she has limitations. Sonya's layers of personality are peeled back. Her expensive clothing but a suit of armor to prepare her for the day. Her surroundings a validation of her hard work and ascent from childhood turmoil. Crystal has her own hurts and turmoils faced. I hoped for a HEA.
The author's descriptive writing style is not smooth yet I was easily dragged in the storyline. Oddly enough I softened towards Sonja's frostinesss half-way through and credit Ms. Wrenn's plot for that. The need to discover the Sonja that Crystal saw beneath all the ice and crustiness!! A few dangling threads in the plot but I can't expect everything from a debut book.
On my re-read list. Easily recommend.
I rec'd a copy through Ylva Publishing. This review is unbiased and voluntary.
August 16, 2022
If you think you know what to expect from an ice queen, you haven't met Sonja Storey. Antarctica is a sauna compared to the North Carolina professor. I spent the majority of the book not liking her but knowing that by the end I would come to understand why she behaves the way she does.
Junior Professor Crystal Byrd is Sonja's complete opposite. Cystal is warm, kind and for some inexplicable reason, completely drawn to Sonja. She sees something beneath the surface that no one else does mostly because Sonja has a fortress built up to protect herself.
Ana K. Wrenn has burst onto the sapphic fiction scene with an enthralling psychological drama. I don't want to give too much away but the story centers around threats Sonja begins receiving and how she tries to navigate the situation, while projecting a control she doesn't feel.
I always love a well written debut and this one qualifies. Wrenn gives us an unforgettable character in Sonja. She is brilliant, cold and complex. Her journey doesn't end with a thaw, but I still find myself feeling great affection for her. I also find myself waiting none too patiently for the next offering from Ana K. Wrenn.
An ARC was received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Junior Professor Crystal Byrd is Sonja's complete opposite. Cystal is warm, kind and for some inexplicable reason, completely drawn to Sonja. She sees something beneath the surface that no one else does mostly because Sonja has a fortress built up to protect herself.
Ana K. Wrenn has burst onto the sapphic fiction scene with an enthralling psychological drama. I don't want to give too much away but the story centers around threats Sonja begins receiving and how she tries to navigate the situation, while projecting a control she doesn't feel.
I always love a well written debut and this one qualifies. Wrenn gives us an unforgettable character in Sonja. She is brilliant, cold and complex. Her journey doesn't end with a thaw, but I still find myself feeling great affection for her. I also find myself waiting none too patiently for the next offering from Ana K. Wrenn.
An ARC was received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
September 22, 2022
**This review may contain mild/vague spoilers…maybe**
I’m having a hard time rating/reviewing this book. It’s classified as a sapphic psychological thriller (which is 100% up my alley), but I have to say that I never felt “thrilled”. The only tension that I felt was from genuine disdain for the MC and her deplorable behavior; she was a true ice queen (and by that, I mean she was an absolute b****). I’m not sure how I would categorize this book…it felt like a psychological breakdown rather than a thriller?
The MC, Sonja, was very intelligent and sophisticated…and also utterly unhinged. I suppose the bigger the giant, the harder they fall, so all that intellect made for a spectacular mental unraveling. Sonja was quite unpalatable for about 95% of the book (mind you, I have a particular dislike for overtly rude people, so that could just be me), but I feel like her character development did round out nicely in the end. Her love interest was a weird bright spot in the book for me. Crystal was odd and very eccentric, but in a body-positive, feministic, mental/emotional health-centric way. I sincerely hope everyone finds their Crystal someday because that kind of encouraging and supportive partner with healthy boundaries is absolute goals.
The narrative voice is well-written and I found it a really interesting read, stylistically speaking. There are a load of literary devices employed, it’s very descriptive and just really unique; that alone made the book worth a read even if I felt like it lacked the intrigue and excitement that I’d been hoping for going into a supposed thriller.
Where I’m really torn on the rating is this: I found the story as a whole really lacking in enjoyable tension (I mean, I can only take so much of the MC being an outright a****** before becomes aggravating), and I never felt intrigued by the supposed mystery, but the writing was really good so I kept reading…then the last 5-10% of the book tied everything up with a pretty little bow that filled out the plot neatly and made everything that was lacking kind of okay, even if I still can’t call it a thriller (yes, it’s probably evident that I am upset about that fact!) and the “twist” was unsurprising.
So, did I like it? Yes.
Did I love it? No, I can’t say I did, but I really wanted to.
Would I read it again? Nope, the MC was a crazy b**** and the plot was…lackluster. It’s not cracking the 4-star mark for me.
Would I recommend it? I don’t think I would recommend it, but I also wouldn’t warn anyone away from it. It’s good…kind of.
I WOULD recommend reading other reviews if this book interests you because, as mentioned already, I had a hard time reviewing this and have mixed feelings!
I’m having a hard time rating/reviewing this book. It’s classified as a sapphic psychological thriller (which is 100% up my alley), but I have to say that I never felt “thrilled”. The only tension that I felt was from genuine disdain for the MC and her deplorable behavior; she was a true ice queen (and by that, I mean she was an absolute b****). I’m not sure how I would categorize this book…it felt like a psychological breakdown rather than a thriller?
The MC, Sonja, was very intelligent and sophisticated…and also utterly unhinged. I suppose the bigger the giant, the harder they fall, so all that intellect made for a spectacular mental unraveling. Sonja was quite unpalatable for about 95% of the book (mind you, I have a particular dislike for overtly rude people, so that could just be me), but I feel like her character development did round out nicely in the end. Her love interest was a weird bright spot in the book for me. Crystal was odd and very eccentric, but in a body-positive, feministic, mental/emotional health-centric way. I sincerely hope everyone finds their Crystal someday because that kind of encouraging and supportive partner with healthy boundaries is absolute goals.
The narrative voice is well-written and I found it a really interesting read, stylistically speaking. There are a load of literary devices employed, it’s very descriptive and just really unique; that alone made the book worth a read even if I felt like it lacked the intrigue and excitement that I’d been hoping for going into a supposed thriller.
Where I’m really torn on the rating is this: I found the story as a whole really lacking in enjoyable tension (I mean, I can only take so much of the MC being an outright a****** before becomes aggravating), and I never felt intrigued by the supposed mystery, but the writing was really good so I kept reading…then the last 5-10% of the book tied everything up with a pretty little bow that filled out the plot neatly and made everything that was lacking kind of okay, even if I still can’t call it a thriller (yes, it’s probably evident that I am upset about that fact!) and the “twist” was unsurprising.
So, did I like it? Yes.
Did I love it? No, I can’t say I did, but I really wanted to.
Would I read it again? Nope, the MC was a crazy b**** and the plot was…lackluster. It’s not cracking the 4-star mark for me.
Would I recommend it? I don’t think I would recommend it, but I also wouldn’t warn anyone away from it. It’s good…kind of.
I WOULD recommend reading other reviews if this book interests you because, as mentioned already, I had a hard time reviewing this and have mixed feelings!
August 19, 2022
What a brilliant debut!
This book is nothing I had expected. I wasn't sure whether I would like this book until halfway through. In the end, I absolutely love it!
This isn't your typical sapphic ice-queen romance. The book is a psychological thriller that contains PTSD related to past abusive relationships and sexual harassment. In most parts, you would feel trapped inside the main character's messy and chaotic mind. It's certainly not an easy read, but you just can't help but stay glued to the pages. Be ready for this journey because Wrenn will not give you a break.
Ana K. Wrenn is an incredible storyteller. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
This book is nothing I had expected. I wasn't sure whether I would like this book until halfway through. In the end, I absolutely love it!
This isn't your typical sapphic ice-queen romance. The book is a psychological thriller that contains PTSD related to past abusive relationships and sexual harassment. In most parts, you would feel trapped inside the main character's messy and chaotic mind. It's certainly not an easy read, but you just can't help but stay glued to the pages. Be ready for this journey because Wrenn will not give you a break.
Ana K. Wrenn is an incredible storyteller. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.
did-not-finish
August 28, 2022I got to 21% and couldn't take anymore.
The MC is just loathsome.
If you're into the evil ice queen trope, you might like it. But honestly I think even lovers of that might end up struggling. But I'm clearly not the target demographic. So it's not for me to say. It's on Kindle Unlimited, so check it out for yourself, as always.
I found the story tedious and wordy, like it was trying too hard. The characters are unrealistic, as are their reactions to things. Couldn't continue.
The MC is just loathsome.
If you're into the evil ice queen trope, you might like it. But honestly I think even lovers of that might end up struggling. But I'm clearly not the target demographic. So it's not for me to say. It's on Kindle Unlimited, so check it out for yourself, as always.
I found the story tedious and wordy, like it was trying too hard. The characters are unrealistic, as are their reactions to things. Couldn't continue.
August 15, 2023
It took me a long time to find the courage to read, or rather listen to this book. I knew it would be painful and, to be fair, it was. Meeting the author in Denver did the trick though, and I started listening on the plane home (I know it was weeks ago but life got in the way as usual).
I have mixed feelings about this book but before I get into those, let me state that I absolutely recommend it. My mixed feelings aren’t bad and they’re not so much about the story as they are about how it made me feel. And isn’t that what we ask of stories? That they make us feel?
I’m a very character-driven reader, and my main issue here was that I never warmed up to Dr Sonja J. Storey. I feel for her and I get where she’s coming from but it doesn’t make me like her or whatever. It doesn’t matter though, the plot itself is so intricate, the mood so captivating, that I had to know what was going to happen next. The story is a bit messy at times but since it’s told from Sonja’s point of view and she’s a huge mess, it makes sense. The twists, the uncertainty kept me going. I love the way the author keeps the reader on their toes. Who do you trust?
Crystal Byrd, the love interest, is a very good character, even if I’m not sure what she sees in Sonja. I love how she keeps calling her out, never scared of her and never allowing herself to be mistreated. She’s pushy and I don’t usually go for that but in her relationship with Sonja, it works. She brings stability to Sonja’s chaotic mind and life (Sonja teaches chaos theory, which is ironic).
It won’t surprise anyone that the narration is top notch. Abby Craden nails the pace and tone, conveying Sonja’s trepidation perfectly.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
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September 1, 2022DNF 36%
Writing is very good, maybe a little wordy, but good. The main character and the story just aren’t doing it for me. It’s taken me 4 hours to read 36%, any other book would have been finished. This just isn’t for me, I do think there are people who will definitely enjoy this story and this interesting character.
The writing kept me curious, but it wasn’t enough to finish this book.
Writing is very good, maybe a little wordy, but good. The main character and the story just aren’t doing it for me. It’s taken me 4 hours to read 36%, any other book would have been finished. This just isn’t for me, I do think there are people who will definitely enjoy this story and this interesting character.
The writing kept me curious, but it wasn’t enough to finish this book.
October 26, 2022
Hm. Okay.
I try pretty hard not to rate things under three stars, ppl work hard to write books!! Often there is smth I can point to that is worthwhile or was enjoyable etc, and I have to rlly not enjoy the experience to rate it two or under, but unfortunately, this was one of those times.
Look I’m not a critic or even a reviewer, rlly. I’ve never written and published a whole damn book, that’s amazing! Ppl clearly are enjoying this! The only thing I ever do here is find new books to read and talk abt my personal enjoyment level engaging with a book, and I did not enjoy this.
Probably not for the reasons one might think? Tho? A lot of reviews mention that Sonja is a hard protagonist to like and yeah, she’s a bitch, but tbh she hardly bothered me bc I knew where she was coming from and I could see why she was isolating ppl so much.
Crystal, however, we are supposed to like. And I fucking hated her.
I did not find anything abt her charming or charismatic. She was pushy as hell, overly familiar, made A LOT of assumptions abt Sonja and her life and her situations, and… despite believing in and agreeing with nearly every preachy point that she made, and doing an undergrad in feminist studies myself, I wanted to clamp my hand over her mouth and tell her to shut the fuck up so many times. I hated all the quotes, I hated how she acted with Sonja (tho, her drawing boundaries and standing up for herself when Sonja was treating her like shit was great, and good for her, but I still just… hated her). I didn’t like their dynamic, I didn’t buy it, Crystal rlly just seemed to push her way into Sonja’s life and then made a lot of ultimatums (some valid and important for her own boundaries, but some felt like they weren’t that, to me). Idk, I haven’t hated a character this much in a long as time but she pushed alllll my buttons so I was never rooting for them.
And this was a real slow burn that (for me) felt in the end kind of a let down.
(And, maybe it makes me an asshole, but my god did some of the writing style and dialogue feel pretentious, it fit both characters, but I didn’t vibe with it, either, on top of everything else).
Again, I always feel bad kinda bashing a novel that someone worked hard on, and clearly from other glowing reviews, some ppl loved this!! I think I would give this author one more shot, esp if her next work had a very different tone, but idk, might be a case of not for me.
I try pretty hard not to rate things under three stars, ppl work hard to write books!! Often there is smth I can point to that is worthwhile or was enjoyable etc, and I have to rlly not enjoy the experience to rate it two or under, but unfortunately, this was one of those times.
Look I’m not a critic or even a reviewer, rlly. I’ve never written and published a whole damn book, that’s amazing! Ppl clearly are enjoying this! The only thing I ever do here is find new books to read and talk abt my personal enjoyment level engaging with a book, and I did not enjoy this.
Probably not for the reasons one might think? Tho? A lot of reviews mention that Sonja is a hard protagonist to like and yeah, she’s a bitch, but tbh she hardly bothered me bc I knew where she was coming from and I could see why she was isolating ppl so much.
Crystal, however, we are supposed to like. And I fucking hated her.
I did not find anything abt her charming or charismatic. She was pushy as hell, overly familiar, made A LOT of assumptions abt Sonja and her life and her situations, and… despite believing in and agreeing with nearly every preachy point that she made, and doing an undergrad in feminist studies myself, I wanted to clamp my hand over her mouth and tell her to shut the fuck up so many times. I hated all the quotes, I hated how she acted with Sonja (tho, her drawing boundaries and standing up for herself when Sonja was treating her like shit was great, and good for her, but I still just… hated her). I didn’t like their dynamic, I didn’t buy it, Crystal rlly just seemed to push her way into Sonja’s life and then made a lot of ultimatums (some valid and important for her own boundaries, but some felt like they weren’t that, to me). Idk, I haven’t hated a character this much in a long as time but she pushed alllll my buttons so I was never rooting for them.
And this was a real slow burn that (for me) felt in the end kind of a let down.
(And, maybe it makes me an asshole, but my god did some of the writing style and dialogue feel pretentious, it fit both characters, but I didn’t vibe with it, either, on top of everything else).
Again, I always feel bad kinda bashing a novel that someone worked hard on, and clearly from other glowing reviews, some ppl loved this!! I think I would give this author one more shot, esp if her next work had a very different tone, but idk, might be a case of not for me.
October 13, 2022
I wanted to love this book. I tried to love it, but I just couldn’t get past a few different things. I didn’t like the writing style and tried to not let it ruin my reading experience but couldn’t fully. Also, I did not particularly like either MC, especially Crystal and how pushy she was. As you can see from the reviews, some people absolutely loved it, it just wasn’t for me.
September 2, 2022
All is not what appears on the surface. Wow! This book! I started out thinking Sonja was the Ice Queen I’d love to hate, with the scales tipping towards the latter. Then began the small insights into her childhood and working life. Gulp! I had to admire her tenacity, staying in the face of the indescribable on all counts. Each piece of the puzzle that was her just twisted the knife in your heart.
There are no graphic love scenes but the love is there, subtly weaving itself around the characters. Don’t want to add spoilers but the little twists at the end were surprising and delightful.
Although harrowing in parts I’m so glad I read this book.
There are no graphic love scenes but the love is there, subtly weaving itself around the characters. Don’t want to add spoilers but the little twists at the end were surprising and delightful.
Although harrowing in parts I’m so glad I read this book.
September 8, 2022
Well, that is definitely one hell of a debut novel ..
If you're looking for a cozy, steamy romance this book isn't for you. This book is for the readers who would enjoy a dark, psychological thriller and an extremely difficult protagonist who is unsure of whether the whole world is "out to get her" or if she's slowly losing her mind. The writing is descriptive and gorgeous, there isn't a dull moment from start to finish.
The story is told from Dr. Sonja J. Storey's perspective and we get to see the cruel world through her chaotic and troubled mind. The book explores topics like past abusive relationships and sexual harassment in the workplace so be advised if that's a trigger.
There were a few loose ends left and the constant clothing brand descriptions were a bit pointless for me. One thing I would have really liked more though is if the threats Sonja received were a bit more substantial. Some were easy to be dismissed but I get why she took them as something so significant having in mind her past trauma.
Edit: In addition, I personally didn't think of Sonja as an ice queen, for me she was one very troubled woman who was lucky enough to find a decent and caring person who decided she's not to be given up on.
If you're looking for a cozy, steamy romance this book isn't for you. This book is for the readers who would enjoy a dark, psychological thriller and an extremely difficult protagonist who is unsure of whether the whole world is "out to get her" or if she's slowly losing her mind. The writing is descriptive and gorgeous, there isn't a dull moment from start to finish.
The story is told from Dr. Sonja J. Storey's perspective and we get to see the cruel world through her chaotic and troubled mind. The book explores topics like past abusive relationships and sexual harassment in the workplace so be advised if that's a trigger.
There were a few loose ends left and the constant clothing brand descriptions were a bit pointless for me. One thing I would have really liked more though is if the threats Sonja received were a bit more substantial. Some were easy to be dismissed but I get why she took them as something so significant having in mind her past trauma.
Edit: In addition, I personally didn't think of Sonja as an ice queen, for me she was one very troubled woman who was lucky enough to find a decent and caring person who decided she's not to be given up on.
August 27, 2022
Haunting. The labyrinth if the mind. When you've been repeatedly beaten down in life, you are only comfortable in the darkness.
Stepping into the light to see what your present is. It's not easy.
Persecution, paranoid thoughts. What is it true and what is not.
Fear. A lot of fear of turning into your mother.
The mind is as amazing as it is terrifying.
Sonja, there will always be storms ahead.
I know a Sonja very well in my life. My mother.
But my mother never really came out of the storm, and it breaks my heart every time.
Amazing novel, but it makes it very hard for me to write about it. It hits too close home.
Ana K. Wrenn has depicted the troubles of the mind so well. The butterfly effect and chaos theory as background are just so ad hoc.
I hope Sonja will remember that the voices in her head do not define her.
Crystal will always remind her how beautiful she is, in every way.
I wish we could all erase our scars with a feather-like flapping of a butterfly's wings, flying through and away the storm.
Sometimes, the enemy is inside your mind.
Stepping into the light to see what your present is. It's not easy.
Persecution, paranoid thoughts. What is it true and what is not.
Fear. A lot of fear of turning into your mother.
The mind is as amazing as it is terrifying.
Sonja, there will always be storms ahead.
I know a Sonja very well in my life. My mother.
But my mother never really came out of the storm, and it breaks my heart every time.
Amazing novel, but it makes it very hard for me to write about it. It hits too close home.
Ana K. Wrenn has depicted the troubles of the mind so well. The butterfly effect and chaos theory as background are just so ad hoc.
I hope Sonja will remember that the voices in her head do not define her.
Crystal will always remind her how beautiful she is, in every way.
I wish we could all erase our scars with a feather-like flapping of a butterfly's wings, flying through and away the storm.
Sometimes, the enemy is inside your mind.
August 9, 2022
Strange Attractors
Ana K. Wrenn
Psychological thriller, this is a debut novel and it was like nothing I have read in a long time . Sonja is living in her head, where pain is just a normal environment for her. She’s numb to the trauma. When you read the book is shows you how abuse can affect a person. Even after they have gotten out of the situation. They have flashbacks, and struggle with reality and the past abuse. Sonja was very into “Brands” and keeping everything in order .
This author really walks you through Sonja’s struggle throughout her life and different stages of abuse both personally and professionally.
Crystal and Sonja meet in the university bathroom. As they get to know each other Crystal decides she is not going to give up on Sonia. She wanted her to take back control, not allow the trauma and the pain from her past to control her. This is definitely not a romance, it is a unique storyline with elements of a love between the two characters. The love story is more prevalent at the end.
I really enjoyed the book. It’s very different. I love the Author had a person of color as a MC in the story. And that a black woman would not dim her light to be with Sonia.
This is the author debut book. It’s well written and gives a lot of insight to what people go through after trauma takes place in their life. I highly recommend this book! I would like to thank YLVA for the Arc! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ana K. Wrenn
Psychological thriller, this is a debut novel and it was like nothing I have read in a long time . Sonja is living in her head, where pain is just a normal environment for her. She’s numb to the trauma. When you read the book is shows you how abuse can affect a person. Even after they have gotten out of the situation. They have flashbacks, and struggle with reality and the past abuse. Sonja was very into “Brands” and keeping everything in order .
This author really walks you through Sonja’s struggle throughout her life and different stages of abuse both personally and professionally.
Crystal and Sonja meet in the university bathroom. As they get to know each other Crystal decides she is not going to give up on Sonia. She wanted her to take back control, not allow the trauma and the pain from her past to control her. This is definitely not a romance, it is a unique storyline with elements of a love between the two characters. The love story is more prevalent at the end.
I really enjoyed the book. It’s very different. I love the Author had a person of color as a MC in the story. And that a black woman would not dim her light to be with Sonia.
This is the author debut book. It’s well written and gives a lot of insight to what people go through after trauma takes place in their life. I highly recommend this book! I would like to thank YLVA for the Arc! 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 29, 2022
After the amazing reviews, I really thought I'd like this more. Unfortunately, this didn't work for me.
Sonja is an interesting character who has been pegged as an ice queen. I'm not quite sure if that fits perfectly, as for me she's just really traumatised rather than icy. She's incredibly mean and bitter; I didn't like her at all. She had no redeeming qualities for me, which didn't particularly lead me to feel engaged with the story or her potential romance.
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Sonja is an interesting character who has been pegged as an ice queen. I'm not quite sure if that fits perfectly, as for me she's just really traumatised rather than icy. She's incredibly mean and bitter; I didn't like her at all. She had no redeeming qualities for me, which didn't particularly lead me to feel engaged with the story or her potential romance.
Many thanks to Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2023
This is a such a good book! If you are one that truly appreciates well-written fiction, then you will not want to miss out on this one. There are so many twists and turns—the ride is crazy and worth every minute! It’s rare that one reads fiction this well crafted and told! It had me from page one and I didn’t want it to end. I will definitely reread this one! In the meantime, I’m definitely checking out Wren’s back catalog!
April 18, 2023
This story was recommended to me by a friend, it’s one for re-reading time and again. I’m used to the sweet, angsty sapphic romance novels that are available in big numbers. This however was something different. And I mean that in the best way possible. It’s not a light easy read, but one that grabs you by the throat and then encircles you with a warm hug. It teaches you that even the hardest circumstances can be overcome.
In case the following might bring up bad experiences, be warned: The story does describe acts of assault, abuse and rape.
Dr. Sonja J. Storey is fighting against everything. Her horrific upbringing, sexual assault and hate campaigns. When she receives a new round of threats, Sonja is convinced someone is out to get her. Her past and present experiences weave together into a giant complot to stop her from reaching her goals. At least in her own head. Slowly she crumples inside while she tries to keep her icy exterior in tact.
When she meets a new, young professor she tries to scare her away with her harsh ice queen antics, but somehow Crystal Byrd keeps coming back. And with her, other colleagues try to get to know the real Sonja despite her being convinced they want to break her.
The journey Wrenn takes her readers on is one of anxiety, fear and struggle. The challenges Sonja faces are mostly inside her own mind. Her past ingrained a narrative that she uses to color her view of her surroundings, the people she encounters and the events that happen in her life. She retreated into a solitary life built on fear and anger and she swears revenge on everyone and everything that’s done her wrong. The use of Sonja’s internal voice in the writing forms an eerie backdrop into her mind. As a reader I struggled to like her or even understand her. As the story progressed I came to love her character. That in itself is quite the feat Wrenn pulled off!
The story is written from Sonja’s point of view and as a reader you dislike everyone she comes across with as much force as she does herself. All side characters develop into actual people as we get a glimpse into their reasons for acting towards Sonja the way they do. Crystal Byrd is monumental in getting through to Sonja’s inner humanity and while doing that she sculpts out a pathway to her heart. I admire Crystals zest for life despite her own bad experiences and struggles. She is a rolemodel of defiance, survival and rising above challenges.
This story will stay with me for a good while! I can only urge fellow readers to pick it up and go on Sonja’s journey yourself. It’s not an easy, light read but, I promise you, it is absolutely worth your while.
In case the following might bring up bad experiences, be warned: The story does describe acts of assault, abuse and rape.
Dr. Sonja J. Storey is fighting against everything. Her horrific upbringing, sexual assault and hate campaigns. When she receives a new round of threats, Sonja is convinced someone is out to get her. Her past and present experiences weave together into a giant complot to stop her from reaching her goals. At least in her own head. Slowly she crumples inside while she tries to keep her icy exterior in tact.
When she meets a new, young professor she tries to scare her away with her harsh ice queen antics, but somehow Crystal Byrd keeps coming back. And with her, other colleagues try to get to know the real Sonja despite her being convinced they want to break her.
The journey Wrenn takes her readers on is one of anxiety, fear and struggle. The challenges Sonja faces are mostly inside her own mind. Her past ingrained a narrative that she uses to color her view of her surroundings, the people she encounters and the events that happen in her life. She retreated into a solitary life built on fear and anger and she swears revenge on everyone and everything that’s done her wrong. The use of Sonja’s internal voice in the writing forms an eerie backdrop into her mind. As a reader I struggled to like her or even understand her. As the story progressed I came to love her character. That in itself is quite the feat Wrenn pulled off!
The story is written from Sonja’s point of view and as a reader you dislike everyone she comes across with as much force as she does herself. All side characters develop into actual people as we get a glimpse into their reasons for acting towards Sonja the way they do. Crystal Byrd is monumental in getting through to Sonja’s inner humanity and while doing that she sculpts out a pathway to her heart. I admire Crystals zest for life despite her own bad experiences and struggles. She is a rolemodel of defiance, survival and rising above challenges.
This story will stay with me for a good while! I can only urge fellow readers to pick it up and go on Sonja’s journey yourself. It’s not an easy, light read but, I promise you, it is absolutely worth your while.
September 5, 2022
What a strange book... the end of chapter 1 ruined everything for me. I really didn't enjoy this one at all.
December 30, 2022
I am so truly impressed by this debut novel by Anna K Wrenn. Everything from the multidimensional characters to the elements of psychological trauma is impeccably written. Dr Sonja Storey is one of the most impressive characters I’ve ever read. Her character arc is absolutely exquisite. Dr Crystal Byrd is perfect in her role of taming and balancing the ice queen. I had a very difficult time putting this book down as I needed to know how it was going to turn out. This is a truly phenomenal book.
September 1, 2022
I read this book over a course of two days. It took me that long because I really wanted to take my time and revel in the gorgeous, lyrical writing style of newcomer Ana K Wrenn. My favorite genre, and basically the only one I ever read, is contemporary romance, but when I first heard the buzz about this several months ago I knew I wanted to read it.
I loved Professors Sonja and Crystal from the very first page. They are so opposites-attract that it took me awhile to realize that Crystal was the love interest. Brilliant pairing. Sonja comes with probably the messiest backstory I've ever read, and boy does it work here. The author must have had to use a huge white board with sticky notes all over it to keep the storylines straight.
As a lifelong retail merchant, I ADORED the descriptions of everything Sonja buys and wears, and one item sent me to Dr Google because I had never heard of it. As a child who grew up poor and was ridiculed for her wardrobe, Sonja becomes a compulsive high-end shopper. That was my favorite subplot, if you can even call it that.
As I write this, I finished the book five days ago and still can't bring myself to start a new book. Those experiences are few and far between for me, so I am categorizing this as a masterpiece.
I loved Professors Sonja and Crystal from the very first page. They are so opposites-attract that it took me awhile to realize that Crystal was the love interest. Brilliant pairing. Sonja comes with probably the messiest backstory I've ever read, and boy does it work here. The author must have had to use a huge white board with sticky notes all over it to keep the storylines straight.
As a lifelong retail merchant, I ADORED the descriptions of everything Sonja buys and wears, and one item sent me to Dr Google because I had never heard of it. As a child who grew up poor and was ridiculed for her wardrobe, Sonja becomes a compulsive high-end shopper. That was my favorite subplot, if you can even call it that.
As I write this, I finished the book five days ago and still can't bring myself to start a new book. Those experiences are few and far between for me, so I am categorizing this as a masterpiece.
August 26, 2022
Plunge into chaos with Dr. Sonja Storey and you will be asking yourself many questions. What is real? Did that actually happen? Does it mean anything?
This novel is an experience as much as it is a story. In the perspective of Sonja who is wrapped in chaos and conspiracy, there is a discomfort for the reader not knowing if Sonja is a reliable narrator. This is not a romance. This is not a relaxing or fluffy read. This is gritty. This is unsettling and at times off-putting in it’s honest glimpse into a troubled mind.
Sonja’s past is slowly revealed while we navigate her present chaos. What does life look like when you were powerless, and now see everything as power play? What happens when you were looked down on and are driven to seek status symbols and control? What happens when you’ve been abandoned so you stop seeking to connect with other people? Sonja is a deeply flawed and at times deeply unwell college professor who believes someone is playing a dangerous game with her.
Romantic interest Crystal Bird is a stunning character, but I still don’t quite know what she sees in Sonja. She speaks her mind, has some wild ideas and strong boundaries. She is a professor at the same college as Sonja and challenges her first incidentally, and then directly. Against all reason, Crystal never completely gives up on Sonja and keeps pushing her to be the best version of herself. She refuses to accept being mistreated, and has goals and friends of her own. Crystal really adds depth and humor to the story occasionally breaking the disquiet of being in Sonja’s mind.
Trigger Warnings…many
The writing in the novel is exceptional. I love the way Wrenn smashes words together in painfully artistic ways. The pace of the story starts slow and increases through the end of the book.
This novel is an experience as much as it is a story. In the perspective of Sonja who is wrapped in chaos and conspiracy, there is a discomfort for the reader not knowing if Sonja is a reliable narrator. This is not a romance. This is not a relaxing or fluffy read. This is gritty. This is unsettling and at times off-putting in it’s honest glimpse into a troubled mind.
Sonja’s past is slowly revealed while we navigate her present chaos. What does life look like when you were powerless, and now see everything as power play? What happens when you were looked down on and are driven to seek status symbols and control? What happens when you’ve been abandoned so you stop seeking to connect with other people? Sonja is a deeply flawed and at times deeply unwell college professor who believes someone is playing a dangerous game with her.
Romantic interest Crystal Bird is a stunning character, but I still don’t quite know what she sees in Sonja. She speaks her mind, has some wild ideas and strong boundaries. She is a professor at the same college as Sonja and challenges her first incidentally, and then directly. Against all reason, Crystal never completely gives up on Sonja and keeps pushing her to be the best version of herself. She refuses to accept being mistreated, and has goals and friends of her own. Crystal really adds depth and humor to the story occasionally breaking the disquiet of being in Sonja’s mind.
Trigger Warnings…many
The writing in the novel is exceptional. I love the way Wrenn smashes words together in painfully artistic ways. The pace of the story starts slow and increases through the end of the book.
“‘Pillows.’ That’s what he used to call her in that rich baritone that he used when gaslighting her, back when bruises still mapped his possession of her body.”
“She was frothing with impatience, and her brain was boiling with thoughts”
“Harrison laughed, her voice sounding like cigarettes, whiskey, and not giving a fuck.”
“Attractors are strange because they may function in seemingly illogical ways during a crisis.”
July 5, 2025
Strange Attractors, as a debut novel, is outstanding. I went in kind of blind, not knowing exactly what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised. I found the audio version because my favourite, Abby Craden narrates, and if you read my reviews, you will know I’m a fan, and if she reads it, I’ll listen to it.
Sonja is a professor who is struggling with the dynamics of her department. It seems like she had been denigrated as a ‘female’ for too many years, disrespected, and put in a box she had never been comfortable in.
When post-it notes and strange emails start appearing, she is sure there is someone trying to undermine her profession. No one seems to be on her side, though.
Until Crystal pushes into her life but is just as happy to leave when she begins to feel like nothing but a scapegoat. Crystal is strong-willed, young, and full of fire. And not willing to sit on the sidelines and let Sonja treat her with anything but respect. Crystal keeps insinuating that she and Sonja may have an attraction they shouldn’t fight.
Ana K. Wren has created characters who are relevant and have enough baggage to sink a ship and enough grit to save each other. And even though there are times when one may give up on another (and all for good reason), they don’t, and unity helps to tamp down the past betrayals and heartache.
Strange Attractors is an original, well thought out psychological thriller you won’t want to put down. Give it a chance, let the characters seep into your thoughts, and go on an adventure that will have you eagerly listening until the very end.
Sonja is a professor who is struggling with the dynamics of her department. It seems like she had been denigrated as a ‘female’ for too many years, disrespected, and put in a box she had never been comfortable in.
When post-it notes and strange emails start appearing, she is sure there is someone trying to undermine her profession. No one seems to be on her side, though.
Until Crystal pushes into her life but is just as happy to leave when she begins to feel like nothing but a scapegoat. Crystal is strong-willed, young, and full of fire. And not willing to sit on the sidelines and let Sonja treat her with anything but respect. Crystal keeps insinuating that she and Sonja may have an attraction they shouldn’t fight.
Ana K. Wren has created characters who are relevant and have enough baggage to sink a ship and enough grit to save each other. And even though there are times when one may give up on another (and all for good reason), they don’t, and unity helps to tamp down the past betrayals and heartache.
Strange Attractors is an original, well thought out psychological thriller you won’t want to put down. Give it a chance, let the characters seep into your thoughts, and go on an adventure that will have you eagerly listening until the very end.
August 22, 2022
5 stars. Wow. I cannot believe that this is a debut. It’s very impressive. This was such a fascinating and tough read. It’s not a light or fluffy read. It’s super intense but definitely worth the read. There are some very good conversations and important topics touched on in here.
I loved the writing. It’s beautiful and striking. The plot had me on edge the entire time because I was never really sure what to believe in terms of what was going on around Sonja. Speaking of Sonja—what a character! I can’t say that I loved her because she’s damn near impossible to like but I did empathize with her and the things that had she been through. I came to care for her in a strange way. She let all of that hurt fester and nearly destroy her so it was easy to understand why she was the way that she was. However, she was hardboiled and unpleasant for way too long that her development in the end felt really rushed and like it came out of nowhere.
I did like the romance between her and Crystal though but that’s mainly because I adored Crystal. She was awesome and I feel like she really balanced Sonja’s temperamental ways. She was likable and I loved how she set boundaries with Sonja. The conversation where she tells Sonja that she is not her Magical Negro and didn’t exist to ‘fix’ or ‘heal’ her had me cheering so loud. Loved it.
This book was heavy and emotional and so intriguing. I loved it and will definitely be looking forward to this author’s next book.
I loved the writing. It’s beautiful and striking. The plot had me on edge the entire time because I was never really sure what to believe in terms of what was going on around Sonja. Speaking of Sonja—what a character! I can’t say that I loved her because she’s damn near impossible to like but I did empathize with her and the things that had she been through. I came to care for her in a strange way. She let all of that hurt fester and nearly destroy her so it was easy to understand why she was the way that she was. However, she was hardboiled and unpleasant for way too long that her development in the end felt really rushed and like it came out of nowhere.
I did like the romance between her and Crystal though but that’s mainly because I adored Crystal. She was awesome and I feel like she really balanced Sonja’s temperamental ways. She was likable and I loved how she set boundaries with Sonja. The conversation where she tells Sonja that she is not her Magical Negro and didn’t exist to ‘fix’ or ‘heal’ her had me cheering so loud. Loved it.
This book was heavy and emotional and so intriguing. I loved it and will definitely be looking forward to this author’s next book.
October 2, 2022
An amazingly beautiful and haunting look into dark academia and trauma.
Ana K Wrenn writes in the most poetic and beautiful way, her choice of words taking us into the twisted and tormented life and struggles of Dr Sonya Storey.
An ice queen and how she’s been made, and destroyed. A love interest who refuses to be silenced or used as a life saver. Unexpected amusement in the middle of chaos.
There are so many levels in this book I could easily see myself rereading and finding more depth within depth.
The scenery is delicious and the characters are so wonderfully flawed.
Ana K Wrenn writes in the most poetic and beautiful way, her choice of words taking us into the twisted and tormented life and struggles of Dr Sonya Storey.
An ice queen and how she’s been made, and destroyed. A love interest who refuses to be silenced or used as a life saver. Unexpected amusement in the middle of chaos.
There are so many levels in this book I could easily see myself rereading and finding more depth within depth.
The scenery is delicious and the characters are so wonderfully flawed.
October 17, 2022
Thought provoking compelling read
This book is for many women, this book is for all of us who survived and started to thrive (or hope to thrive!). Sonja, Prof. Storey, is not easy to like (let alone love) and it becomes layer by layer, chapter by chapter clearer why. My perception of her changed to respect.
The author does a masterful job of drawing us in - into academia, the workplace, the obnoxious and still thriving ressentiments and subtle or not so subtle words and acts against women. Just when I finished the book another professional women told me how she and many women have donned their armor (at times literally - „power suit“ is not an accidental name) and hardened themselves against the misogynist workplaces we have to survive, only to think they are safe and to find themselves again in challenging situations.
Sonja certainly has had a harder struggle than most of us - I was appalled but by no means astonished about what she had to endure -, but it serves like a magnifying glass for seeing all the minor lesions, the more subtle mistreatement and seemingly innocuous remarks who leave women with strange attractors.
And there is a chance of redemption and there is a chance people change - enter Crystal Byrd and others who have their own histories and still can help the world to move forward.
Kudos to the author for this beautiful, compelling book. And beware this is no easy read, by no means a lovey-dovey romance, but so worth it.
This book is for many women, this book is for all of us who survived and started to thrive (or hope to thrive!). Sonja, Prof. Storey, is not easy to like (let alone love) and it becomes layer by layer, chapter by chapter clearer why. My perception of her changed to respect.
The author does a masterful job of drawing us in - into academia, the workplace, the obnoxious and still thriving ressentiments and subtle or not so subtle words and acts against women. Just when I finished the book another professional women told me how she and many women have donned their armor (at times literally - „power suit“ is not an accidental name) and hardened themselves against the misogynist workplaces we have to survive, only to think they are safe and to find themselves again in challenging situations.
Sonja certainly has had a harder struggle than most of us - I was appalled but by no means astonished about what she had to endure -, but it serves like a magnifying glass for seeing all the minor lesions, the more subtle mistreatement and seemingly innocuous remarks who leave women with strange attractors.
And there is a chance of redemption and there is a chance people change - enter Crystal Byrd and others who have their own histories and still can help the world to move forward.
Kudos to the author for this beautiful, compelling book. And beware this is no easy read, by no means a lovey-dovey romance, but so worth it.
September 14, 2022
3.25 Stars. This is one of those books that was simultaneously great and perplexing. And I am not talking about the tightly plotted mystery, here either. Its more to do with the central character being just not a fun person for me to read than the plot, story, romance, and mystery because I thought they were all really great. And its sad because I love me a good, frosty queen and Professor Sonja Storey is that. But for some reason, it feels like she is mean for the sake of being mean. It takes a long time to really dig into her as a character and by the time I understood her motivations, it was too late. She did not vibe with me, and that took me out of the first half of the story.
Once the mystery ramps up, do you get a really neat story. This can be a difficult read, as it deals with deterioration of mental health, especially as one ages, and it wraps it up in a dark mystery. The budding romance between the icy Sonja and fellow professor, Crystal Byrd is a great balance because some parts of the plot hit me really hard.
I found it particularly amazing that this book could get me invested in a story about a protagonist that I couldn't really get into. I just wished I enjoyed reading about Sonja more than I did. This book, if not for Sonja just not jiving with me, would easily been one of the best I've read this year. Sadly, that first bunch of chapters were a rough go for me. I am still glad I read all the way through, and I believe most readers will enjoy this one.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Once the mystery ramps up, do you get a really neat story. This can be a difficult read, as it deals with deterioration of mental health, especially as one ages, and it wraps it up in a dark mystery. The budding romance between the icy Sonja and fellow professor, Crystal Byrd is a great balance because some parts of the plot hit me really hard.
I found it particularly amazing that this book could get me invested in a story about a protagonist that I couldn't really get into. I just wished I enjoyed reading about Sonja more than I did. This book, if not for Sonja just not jiving with me, would easily been one of the best I've read this year. Sadly, that first bunch of chapters were a rough go for me. I am still glad I read all the way through, and I believe most readers will enjoy this one.
*I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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